Roosa Meriläinen

Roosa Meriläinen works as a head of early education centre in the early childhood education of the City of Hämeenlinna. She began her career with the city back in 2008 and has had the opportunity to work in many different roles within early childhood education. Read about what working for the city means to Roosa.

What made you apply to work for the City of Hämeenlinna?

I first started working in the early childhood education of Hämeenlinna in 2008. At the time, I worked as a early education centre assistant. I applied for the job because I happened to see an advertisement in the window of the employment office and thought, “I’ve always liked children, let’s see if I could get the job.” That was the first time in my life I got to see early childhood education work in practice. Of course, I couldn’t have guessed then that it would be the start of a lifelong professional journey that still continues today.

Over the years, I have been able to grow and develop professionally while working for the city, working in a variety of roles within early childhood education—first as an assistant, then as a childcare worker, eventually as an early childhood education teacher, and now for several years as a head of early education centre. It has always been clear to me that I want to work in the service of the city.

What do your duties involve in your current role?

I am a head of early education centre, and I am responsible for the pedagogical and customer management of two large early education centres. I cooperate with the families of the children, and my work involves ensuring that the curriculum is implemented in the early childhood education groups and supporting the curricular expertise of the staff. Additionally, I am responsible for the pedagogical competence and training of the staff. My work also includes cooperation with educational institutions as well as child and family services.

What is the best part of your job?

As a head of early education centre, I get to work in expert communities where professionals in the field make their own strong expertise visible in the everyday life of early childhood education. Every day, I get to follow the pedagogical work of the staff in the child groups and support and strengthen their expertise.

The most pleasant part of my work is the various encounters with my staff. Whether the encounters are meetings or one-on-one sparring sessions, the focus is always on the child’s growth and learning, as well as early childhood education pedagogy and the curriculum. I have always liked doing things together. In a leadership role, working together is the most important thing, because the daily life of early childhood education is built together with a competent staff.

What is your work community like?

The community of heads of early education centres is dynamic, inspiring, and supportive of colleagues. The community is also a very fun and safe.

What is it like to work for the City of Hämeenlinna?

Pleasant and communal.

How has the City of Hämeenlinna supported your professional development and career path?

Over the years, my employer has supported my professional growth and expertise in many ways. I have been able to work in many different roles within early childhood education. I have been able to work flexibly and study alongside my work. I have been given opportunities to advance in my career; my expertise has been valued, and the organization has shown interest in it.

A memorable experience from your career in the city’s service.

Years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in an international early childhood education seminar in Tallinn. A few months later, I traveled to Italy to learn about Reggio Emilia pedagogy. These trips have played a significant role in the development of my own early childhood education expertise.

Why should someone apply to work for us?

The City of Hämeenlinna is a flexible, reliable and safe employer.